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United States Patent |
5,207,606
|
Pittman
|
*
May 4, 1993
|
Anti-roll ski tow line
Abstract
A water ski tow line constructed to provide anti-rotation of the tow line
handle. The water ski tow line has a handle with holes at each end
traversing the handle. A tow line is attached to each end of the handle by
passing the line around the handle and through the holes traversing the
handle such that two lines are provided extending from tangent points on
opposite sides of the handle. These two lines effectively provide opposing
torques on either side of the handle, preventing rotation of the handle
during use. The skier's hands are protected by end caps formed of a cup
fitting over the end of the handle covering the rope, having a sheath
extending away from the handle and covering the loop formed by the two
lines. The two lines are then joined at a yoke forming a single tow line.
A yoke protector is produced by a unique tool to cover and protect the
yoke area of the water ski tow line.
Inventors:
|
Pittman; Alan K. (6644 Smoketree Ave., Agoura, CA 91301)
|
[*] Notice: |
The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to October 1, 2008
has been disclaimed. |
Appl. No.:
|
724829 |
Filed:
|
July 2, 1991 |
Current U.S. Class: |
441/69 |
Intern'l Class: |
B63B 021/56 |
Field of Search: |
441/69
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
4540371 | Sep., 1985 | Taylor | 441/69.
|
5052964 | Oct., 1991 | Pittman | 441/69.
|
Primary Examiner: Basinger; Sherman
Assistant Examiner: Brahan; Thomas J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: O'Reilly; David
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.
07/441,909 filed Nov. 28, 1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,964.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A water ski tow line comprising;
a handle having an axis, said handle having holes through each end, said
holes being oriented in a plane through the axis of said handle;
a tow line tied to each end of said handle by being threaded through each
of said holes to form a connection at each end of the handle of two lines
extending away from tangent points on the opposite sides of said handle;
said tow line being tied to the handle by being looped around the back of
the handle, the respective ends of the line being threaded parallel to
each other through said holes and extending from tangent points on
opposite sides of the handle;
said two lines being joined at a splice a substantial distance from said
handle forming a loop;
whereby said two lines provide anti-roll torque on opposite sides of said
handle to prevent rotation.
2. The water ski tow line according to claim 1 in which said holes through
the ends of said handle are oriented perpendicular to a plane through the
axis of said handle and the extended tow line.
3. The water ski tow line according to claim 2 in which the line is tied to
the handle by being threaded through each hole, around the back of the
handle and then passing back through the hole to form a connection having
tow lines extending away from tangent points on opposite sides of the
handle.
4. The water ski tow line according to claim 1 in which said holes through
the ends of said handle are oriented parallel to a plane through the axis
of said handle and the extended tow line.
5. The water ski tow line according to claim 4 in which the line is tied to
the handle by being looped around the back of the handle, the respective
ends of the line being threaded parallel to each other through the holes
and back through itself to form two lines extending from tangent points on
opposite side of the handle.
6. The water ski tow line according to claim 1 including end caps have cups
covering the ends of the handles and sleeves receiving and covering said
two lines.
7. The water ski tow line according to claim 6 in which said sleeves are
formed with channels for receiving and separating said two lines and a web
formed between said two channels covering said loop formed by said two
lines.
8. The water ski tow line according to claim 7 in which said sleeves extend
over and cover the splice of said two lines.
9. The water ski tow line according to claim 6 in which said cups have a
recess for receiving the line wrapped around said handle extending to and
terminating in a flanged lip to tightly grip the surface of the handle.
10. The water ski tow line according to claim 6 in which said handle and
end caps are a molded one piece construction.
11. The water ski tow line according to claim 10 in which said handle is
comprised of a tube having a hole in each end covering with a thick
coating of resilient material forming a gripping surface on said handle
and integrally formed end caps.
12. The water ski tow line according to claim 1 in which said two lines
extend away from each end of said handle and are joined to create a single
line forming a yoke; and including a Y-shaped resilient protective piece
covering said yoke.
13. The water ski tow line according to claim 12 in which said Y-shaped
protective piece has a web between the legs of said Y-shape providing
strength and a decorative surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to water ski tow lines, and more particularly,
relates to a water ski tow line that substantially eliminates the
phenomenon of roll-out.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional water ski tow lines are comprised of a single line forming a
pair of strands at a yoke which are attached to the handle by passing
straight through apertures in the handle, wrapping around and returning
through the same hole. The force on the tow line handle is thus in a plane
parallel with the handle axis and the axis of extension of the tow line.
This particular arrangement has been found to cause a problem of the
handle being twisted out of one's grip which can be appropriately referred
to as "roll-out". This is caused particularly when the ski tow line is
being used in competition such as the slalom, where the line shortened
after each run by the competitors through the slalom.
Historically, water ski tow line handles are attached to the tow line at
two points, one at each end of the handle. There are several methods
utilized to attach the line to the handle ends. In some cases, the line
passes through a hole in the handle and is tied in a knot. In another
method, the line passes through the hole in the handle, wraps back around
the handle and rejoins the main line. The latter is tied to the handle
with a single or double entry through the hole in the ends of the handle.
Sometimes a hollow tubular handle is used and the line passes through an
aperture in the surface of the handle and is tied in a knot inside the
hollow handle. While all of these methods are effective for tying a ski
tow line to a handle, they are subject to the problem of the handle
rotation in use. Except for the stiffness of the line and protective
sheaths at the ends of the handle (which is generally negligible) the
handle is free to pivot about the point where the line exits from the
handle. When a water skier has a very firm grip, the handle can rotate
from a position normal to the axis of line extension.
The problem is that as the skier's grip becomes tired of the force of the
pull and when the force nears the skier's grip limit, the handle can begin
to slip out of the hand. When this occurs, the thumb is first to let go,
and the grip is then maintained by virtue of the semi-circular arc formed
by the fingers. Loss of the ski line is not hopeless at this time, that
is, it's quite common for a skier to experience a momentary surge followed
by slack, during which he can recover the grip on the ski tow line handle.
However, during the period of partial grasp of just the fingers, most of
the grip will result in friction between the hand and the handle, from the
tip of the fingers up to where they join the palm of the hand. The
resultant force can act as a twisting or rotational force on the handle
which can have the effect of "unwinding" the hand from the handle which
further can reduce the skier's grip. This action is aptly called
"roll-out".
Another disadvantage of this particular method of tying the tow line is
that the line passes around the handle ends and is often exposed. This
exposed portion of the line can chafe the hands, and can become worn from
abrasion. End caps have been designed to eliminate this problem by
completely covering the ends of the handle and exposed line. End caps for
this purpose are disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,478 issued
Jun. 22, 1982 to the same inventor as the device disclosed herein.
A further problem is the wear on tow lines at the yoke, where the two woven
strands of line from the handle come together to form the single line.
This is another problem area where the line can become worn or chafed,
causing a defective tow line. It would be advantageous if a heavy
protective covering could be easily installed at the tow line yoke.
It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide a water
ski tow line that substantially prevents roll-out. Yet another object of
the present invention is to provide a water ski tow line in which the line
is tied to the handle in a manner which will provide an anti-roll action
to eliminate roll-out.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a water ski tow
line handle in which the line can be tied to provide equal and opposite
forces at tangent points on opposite sides of the handle to minimize or
eliminate roll-out.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide water ski tow
line end caps which permit a tow line to be tied in a manner that
minimizes or prevents roll-out.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide water ski end
caps that will provide a protective cover for the ends of the handle and
the loop formed by tying the line to the handle to prevent roll-out.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of
making a protective covering for a water ski tow line yoke that can be
easily made in a single operation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a protective
covering for a water ski tow line yoke that can be quickly and easily
installed.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a protective
covering for a water ski tow line yoke that has a webbed portion that can
be used for decorative purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved water ski
tow line anti-roll handle having protective end caps and a unique
protective covering for the tow line yoke.
The phenomenon of "roll-out" can be substantially eliminated by attaching
the tow line to each end of the handle to provide anti-rotation at four
points (two points at each end). The rope is tied to provide tangent force
points on opposite sides of the handle, and extends away from the handle
and spliced. If the splice point is sufficiently far away from the points
where the rope is attached on opposite sides of the cylindrical handle,
any tendency to twist is prevented by a direct restraining action or
torque at the attachment points. That is, there are equal and opposite
torques applied to the opposite points on the circumference of the handle.
Thus there is no "pivot" points as there are in all previous methods of
attaching a tow line to a ski tow rope handle.
A practical implementation of the new technique utilizes standard hollow
braid ski rope and a handle having a hole through each end. In one
embodiment, the hole traverses the handle oriented perpendicular to the
axis of extension or plane through the axis of the handle and length of
ski tow line. In this embodiment, the line is passed through the traverse
hole around the back of the handle and then returns through the traverse
hole. This method of tying the rope to the handle positively locks the
handle to the rope to prevent slipage between the rope and handle. The
transverse hole also acts to prevent the rope from slipping off the end of
the handle. After the rope exits the transverse hole in the handle, it is
joined at a splice which is sufficiently far away from the handle to
provide the anti-twist torque effect desired.
In another embodiment, the hole is positioned horizontally in the same
plane as the axis of the handle and the extension of the rope. In this
embodiment, the rope loops around the handle with each end passed through
the horizontal hole, around the handle and through itself to be joined in
a splice sufficiently far away from the handle so as to provide the
anti-twist torque effect desired. The latter method of tying the rope is
preferred because there is no torque or force on the rope at an edge as
there would be with a traverse hole where the rope exits the hole on each
side of the handle.
End caps for this rope provide an open area through which the two strands
or lengths of rope providing the anti-twist effect may pass. The end caps
cover the area of the rope extending from the handle to the splice because
the potential exists of a finger or hand of a skier possibly being caught
in the loop formed between the handle and the splice. The end cap design
described can be used to completely enclose this loop. An end cap design
in the form of a "wedge" would work reasonably well. To completely cover
the loop, the end caps are made with channels that route the rope around
the handle and through the hole in the handle with a web between the
channels to close any openings where a finger or hand might be caught.
With the method described, the water ski tow rope can be constructed with
a rope tied to provide the anti-roll torque effect and covered with end
caps which completely enclose the loop from the handle to the splice with
a web in the end cap, preventing any openings in the loop from being
exposed.
In another embodiment, the end cap is formed with a sleeve having parallel
channels extending from a cup that fits over the handle. A closing web
joins the adjacent channels. In this embodiment, the end cap covers the
anti-roll strands of the line a few inches from the handle to just before
the splice of the strands into a single line.
In another embodiment of the invention, the handle is formed of a rigid
tube covered with a thick layer of resilient material which also forms
integral sleeves for covering a portion of the line a few inches from the
handle. The sleeves are formed during the process of covering the handle
with the thick coating of resilient material. The rigid tubular member
beneath the thick coating of resilient material has holes perpendicular to
the axis of the sleeves for receiving the water ski tow line. As described
above, the line at each end of the handle passes through the hole in the
end of the handle around the rear of the handle and back through the hole
in the opposite direction to be again joined at a splice a few inches from
the handle's end. A groove is formed in the thick, resilient coating where
the line loops around or encircles the rear portion of the handle for
receiving the portion of the line that extends outside the handle. The two
strands of the line forming the anti-roll arrangement extend down bores in
the sleeve formed on the handle and are spliced near the end of the
sleeve. The spliced line then is joined at a Y shaped yoke with the line
from the other end of the handle to form a continuous line.
Water ski tow ropes are subject to high stress and chafing during normal
use, and the point where the rope joins the long line or the yoke is a
particular area of wear. Therefore, a cover over this particular area
would protect the yoke and result in a longer lasting ski line for the
consumer. Covers for the yoke have been designed to give the lines a very
different look and are made by a particularly unique technique. The covers
are dip molded with the legs of the Y formed as ridges on rolled edges of
a flat plate, terminating in a cylindrical tail. When dipped in a plastic
or plastisol material, a part is formed having a tubular tail, two tubular
arms each joined on either side by webs with an opening in between. The
webs can be sealed and cut off with a dye cutter or the legs of the Y can
be sealed with the webs forming a decorative flat surface.
The Y-shaped article is formed by a unique technique. The unique technique
uses a tool to dip mold the Y-shaped piece having round ridges along the
edges forming the legs of the Y, terminating in a cylindrical tail. The
flat portion of the plate between the legs of the Y forms webs on either
side of the molded article. After removal, the opening between the webs
can be bonded or sealed at the legs of the Y and then removed or used for
a decorative logo. The method can be an effective way to form any Y-shaped
tubular part.
The above and other novel features of the invention will be more fully
understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying
drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a water ski tow line handle constructed according
to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the water ski tow line handle taken at 2--2
of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2a illustrates an alternate method of providing an anti-roll
attachment on the tow line to the water ski tow line of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken at 3--3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken at 4--4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a molded water ski tow line handle according to
the invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken at 6--6 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken at 7--7 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a view taken at 8--8 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a view in partial section of a tool holder for forming a Y-shaped
tubular device which may be used for a protective cover for the yolk area
of water ski lines.
FIG. 10 is a sectional end view of a Y-shaped tubular article and the tool
holder taken at 10--10 of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a sectional side elevation of Y-shaped yoke cover and a tool
taken at 11--11 of FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the Y-shaped article and the tool forming
it, shown at FIG. 9.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 partially removed to
illustrate the splice of the water ski tow line at the handle.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4, illustrating an alternate
embodiment of the end cap for the water ski tow line of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A water ski tow line handle constructed according to the invention is
illustrated in FIG. 1 at 10 and having a hand grip 12 coated with a
resilient rubber or plastic material. Each end of the hand grip 12 is
covered with end caps 14, covering the line for a few inches with a sleeve
that extends away from the hand grip. The line 16 is spliced together at
18, forming a yoke 20. This particular area of water ski tow lines is
subject to chafing and wear and needs protection by a device which will be
described in greater detail hereinafter.
As was described previously, historically the line 16 is tied to the hand
grip 12 so that the line exits the center of the handle and extends to the
splice 18. However, this method of attaching the line can provide a pivot
point, allowing the hand grip 12 to rotate, resulting in the phenomenon
called "roll-out", where a torque created by rotating the hand grip can
tear or loosen a grip on the tow line.
To prevent this effect, a unique method of attaching the line to the hand
grip 12 is to provide equal and opposite forces at tangent points on
either side of the hand grip. This method of attaching the line
effectively prevents the handle grip 12 from being rotated. Such a method
of attaching the line is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. In the sectional view
of FIG. 2, taken at 2--2 of FIG. 1, end cap 14 covers the end of tubular
hand grip 12, usually formed of a metal or hard hollow tube 22, coated
with a heavy coating of resilient rubber or plastic material 24. The
tubular hand grip 12 is provided with an aperture or hole 26 through each
end formed by small tube 25 for attachment of line 16. In the first
method, the line 16 is attached through hole 26 traverses the handle
perpendicular to a plane through the axis of the handle and the line.
First, a portion of the line at 28 passes through the traverse hole 26 in
the handle at 30, wraps around the back of the hand grip 12 at 32, and
then passes back through the traverse hole 26, ending in line portion 34.
The line is then spliced at 36, forming single line 16.
This method of tying the line provides torque at points labelled A and B,
which are equal and opposite to resist rotation of hand grip 12. This
method of tying the line to the handle effectively prevents rotation of
the handle, and thus prevents roll-out.
An optional but preferred method of tying the line to the handle is
illustrated in FIG. 2a. This hand grip 12 has the same tube 22, resilient
covering 24 and hole through each end of the handle 26 as before. However,
in this embodiment, the hole in the handle 26 is oriented parallel to the
plane through the axis in the handle and the tow line 16. That is, in use,
the hole 26 will be parallel to the direction of extension of tow line 16.
The tow line is tied to the hand grip 12 by passing the ends 38 and 40
through hole 26 as shown at 42 and 44. The ends then exit hole 26 at 48,
50 and pierce the loop of the line around the back of the handle. The line
is then threaded through itself and spliced at a distance from the handle
as before (FIG. 2, splice 36). The line is preferably a hollow braid rope
that forms a hollow cylinder when compressed axially allowing the line to
be easily threaded through itself. This method of tying the line is
preferred, because the forces are provided at tangent points on opposite
sides of hand grip 12, which extend around curve surfaces, distributing
the forces evenly, rather than at the edges of the holes as in the
previous embodiment. While only two ways of tying the line are shown, of
course there are many other ways the line may be tied to the handle that
would produce the two lines extending from tangent points on opposite
sides of the handle.
This method of tying the tow line to the handle provides an open area or
loop at 52 between each line attached to the handle. This opening presents
a potential hazard to a skier if a finger or hand were caught in the loop.
Therefore, unique end caps 14 have been designed to cover the loop as well
as to protect the ends of the handle and prevent any exposure of the line
around the area of the hands. The end cap is shown in greater detail in
FIGS. 3 and 4, with alternate designs illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The
end caps are formed in a tapered "wedge" style and work very effectively
to protect the ends of the handle and the tow line where it is attached to
the hand grip 12.
The end caps 14 are formed with cups 54 which fit over the end 56 of the
hand grip 12 and have a recess or indentation 57 to receive the portion of
the line 60, passing around the back of the handle. The cup extends to a
sleeve portion 58 which is open as shown at 62. This allows the line 16 to
easily pass through one channel 64 (FIG. 2), attached to hand grip 12 and
then return through a channel 66 in the opposite side. In forming end caps
14, a web of material at 68 provides a closure for the loop 52 between the
two line portions formed when the line is attached by either of the
methods of FIGS. 1 or 2. The cups 54 shrinks to a lip 70 to tightly grip
hand grip 12.
The end cap design 14 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 extends beyond splice 36 in
the line 16, completely covering the loop formed in the anti-roll
connection of the line to hand grip 12. The line passes through tubular
portions 64' and 66', forming channels 64 and 66. The loop is closed by
web 68 formed in the end cap.
The cup portion 54 of the end caps provide a closure at 71 to close the
hollow ends of the land grip 12. This prevents debris and water from
entering the handle, which could cause deterioration of the line.
In the alternate embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14, the end caps form cups 54
as before that fit over the end of hand grip 12 and as shown in FIG. 13,
provide tubular portions 64' and 66', joined by a closed web 68. The end
cap is open at 74 to allow the line to easily pass through and be wound or
tied to the hand grip 12.
In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the cup 54 again closes the end of the
tubular hand grip 12 and has the lip 70 firmly gripping resilient surface
24. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 64" and 66" are separated by a
web 68' which maintains them substantially parallel for a distance from
the handle, terminating shortly before the splice 36. This arrangement is
less desired because it does provide an open loop area at 78 between the
end of the end cap 14 and splice 36.
An alternate embodiment of the anti-roll water ski toe line is shown in
FIG. 5 in which hand grip 82 and sleeves 84 at the end of handle 80 are
formed in a one-piece molded design. A portion of handle 80 is open,
providing a recess or groove at 86, for the portion of the exposed line 88
providing some protection. The line extends away from hand grip 82 to
portions 90 and 92, spliced together at yoke 94, covered by a protective
yoke cover 120, formed in a unique manner which will be described
hereinafter.
The heavy resilient coating 85 on the ski tow line 80 forms sleeves 84
having channels 98 and 100, allowing line 92 to be tied to the handle as
previously described. The rigid tube 85 has an aperture or hole 102 formed
by tube 103 passing through each end of the handle for attachment of line
88. The line is tied as before with the portion of the line 104 passing
through the hole 102 at 106 around the back of the handle in the channel
86 at 88, back through traverse hole 102 to portion 108 to be spliced at
110.
As before, sleeves 84 formed on handle 80 include a web portion 112 closing
the loop between the sections of line 104 and 108. The sleeve 84 is a
tapered wedge shape and extends down slightly beyond splice point 110. The
splice point is positioned far enough from the hand grip 82 to allow the
sections of the line 104 and 108 to provide equal and opposite torques on
the hand grip 82 as before.
The one-piece molded design water ski tow line handle 80 of FIG. 5 has some
advantages, but also some disadvantages. One disadvantage is that line 88
has a small area exposed at the end of the handles which can become chafed
and worn. An advantage, however, is that sleeves 84 covering the end of
the handles are an integral part of the handle and therefore cannot come
off. In any case, the line is tied as previously described to provide a
force which resists or prevents rotation of the grip, thus substantially
preventing the phenomenon of roll-out.
The yoke 94 in FIG. 5 and 20 of FIG. 1 is an area where wear can be a
particular problem with water ski tow line tow lines. This particular area
or spot is subject to high stresses and chafing during normal use. For
that reason, a unique cover was designed to protect this area. Such a yoke
cover is shown at 120 of FIG. 5. The yoke cover 120 has a tubular portion
122 extending to tubular legs 124 and 126, completely covering and
protecting the yoke area 94 of tow line 96. The yoke Y-shaped protector
has a web 128 formed during the manufacturing process. The web 128
provides a unique area that can be used for advertising or logos.
The yoke protector 120 is formed on a tool used for dip molding shown more
clearly in FIG. 12. The tool 130 has a plate 132 having a tapering portion
at 134, creating edges to form the legs of the Y-shaped yoke cover 120.
This area of the plate is provided with cylindrical ridges or rolled edges
140, 142 and ends in a cylindrical tail portion 144 to provide the tubular
portion of yoke cover 120. The tool can be used in a dip molding process
to form the tubular portion 122 and tubular legs 124 and 126 of the yoke
cover 120.
As can be seen in the sectional views of FIGS. 10 and 11, when legs 124 and
126 are formed, webs 128 are formed on either side of the tool 130. The
cylindrical tail portion 144 of the tool forms tube 122 which will be
closed at end 123. This closed end can be punched out after removal from
the article as shown in FIG. 12.
This unique method can be used for forming any Y-shaped tubular article,
such as a stethoscope or some other tubular article in which the Y or yoke
shape is required. The use of the tool for producing the yoke cover 120 is
particularly appropriate, but is also applicable to a variety of other
articles. The yoke cover 120 is formed by dipping the tool 130 in a
suitable resilient material such as plastisol. The tool is then withdrawn
and the piece removed by any suitable means such as compressed air. The
piece formed is shown in FIG. 12, having the tubular portion 122 with a
closed end 123 (FIG. 11) which can be easily punched out. The legs 124 and
126 are completely open at 125 and 127, joined by webs 128. The opening
129 can be closed by sealing the webs 128 by heat or an adhesive. After
sealing, the webs can be removed with a die cutter, leaving a small
flashing at 146 and 148 to seal and maintain the integrity of the tubular
legs 124 and 126.
Thus there has been disclosed a unique water ski tow line handle tied in a
unique way to substantially eliminate rotation of the hand grip to prevent
roll-out. The handle is covered with unique end caps having a cup that
tightly fits around each end of the handle to protect the line and handle
and cover the loop formed by the method of tying the lines. In an
alternate embodiment of the invention, the hand grip and sleeves for
covering the line are formed in one molded piece. Additionally, the yoke
of the line is protected by a unique yoke cover formed with a tool that
allows the yoke cover to be quickly and easily formed with a joining web
which may or may not be removed.
This invention is not to be limited by the embodiment shown in the drawings
and described in the description which is given by way of example and not
of limitation, but only in accordance with the scope of the appended
claims.
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